[Transesophageal echocardiography: indications and findings. Experiences from 3 centers]

The introduction of transoesophageal echocardiography has greatly enhanced the noninvasive diagnostic possibilities in cardiology. This multicentre report analyses the findings in different indications as well as the rate of complications in 335 consecutive patients on whom transoesophageal echocardiography was performed. The most frequent indication was the search for a cardiac source of embolism (36%). Compared to patients with other indications, thrombi in the left atrial appendage, atrial septal aneurysms and protruding aortic atheromas were significantly more frequent in this group. Transoesophageal echocardiography was performed in 20% for the diagnosis of suspected endocarditis and vegetations and/or paravalvular abscesses could be demonstrated in 46% of these patients. Other important indications included the assessment of mitral valve disease, congenital heart disease, valve prosthesis dysfunction and aortic dissection. Clinically relevant complications occurred in 1.8% and were spontaneously reversible in all cases. Transoesophageal echocardiography is an extremely valuable and safe diagnostic tool in cardiology.